About flights from Chengdu (TFU)
Tianfu International Airport is one of those places that genuinely surprised me. It only opened in 2021, but it's already punching way above its weight — 199 direct destinations across 37 countries, with a reach score of 91 out of 99. That's serious connectivity for a city most Western travelers still associate mainly with pandas and hotpot. TFU isn't just a regional hub. It's becoming a genuine hub to Asia and beyond. And the scale of it hits you the moment you walk in. This airport was built for growth.
Quick stats for TFU
- Direct destinations: 199
- Countries served: 37
- Continents reached: 5 of 6
- Average flight distance: 2,165 km
- Longest non-stop: Los Angeles (LAX) — 11,573 km (~14h 28m)
- Shortest non-stop: Song Pan (JZH) — 292 km (~22 min)
- Reach score: 91/99
Why fly to Chengdu?
Here's what I love about flying through Chengdu — it connects you to places that other Chinese hubs don't prioritize. Thailand's got five direct routes from TFU, Vietnam has four, and there are direct links into Indonesia and the UAE too. So if you're building an Asia trip around this city, you've got real options without backtracking through Beijing or Shanghai. Then there's the wild range of distances. The shortest route is a 292km hop to Songpan (JZH) — basically a puddle jump to the edge of Jiuzhaigou. The longest? Los Angeles at 11,573km. That contrast tells you everything about what TFU is trying to be. Domestically, China Air and Sichuan Airlines (3U) dominate, with 147 routes across the country. You can pretty much reach any corner of China from here.
Longest non-stop flights from TFU
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Chengdu:
- Los Angeles, USA (LAX) — 11,573 km, approximately 14h 28m
- Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) — 10,466 km, approximately 13h 5m
- Vancouver, Canada (YVR) — 9,996 km, approximately 12h 30m
- Madrid, Spain (MAD) — 9,210 km, approximately 11h 31m
- Sydney, Australia (SYD) — 8,665 km, approximately 10h 50m
Short-haul flights from TFU
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from Chengdu:
- Song Pan, China (JZH) — 292 km, approximately 22 min
- Dazhou, China (DZH) — 298 km, approximately 22 min
- Hongyuan, China (AHJ) — 316 km, approximately 24 min
- Xichang, China (XIC) — 339 km, approximately 25 min
- Daocheng, China (DCY) — 437 km, approximately 33 min
Top countries by direct connections from TFU
Tianfu International Airport connects to 37 countries. Here are the most served:
- China — 147 destinations (Aksu, Alaer, Altay, An Yang and 143 more)
- Thailand — 5 destinations (Bangkok, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and 1 more)
- Viet Nam — 4 destinations (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc)
- United Arab Emirates — 2 destinations (Abu Dhabi, Dubai)
- Indonesia — 2 destinations (Denpasar, Jakarta)
- Malaysia — 2 destinations (Kuala Lumpur, Penang)
- Australia — 2 destinations (Melbourne, Sydney)
- Italy — 2 destinations (Milan, Rome)
Where to fly from Chengdu
Flights to China
Chengdu has 147 direct routes to China:
- Song Pan (JZH) — 292 km
- Dazhou (DZH) — 298 km
- Hongyuan (AHJ) — 316 km
- Xichang (XIC) — 339 km
- Daocheng (DCY) — 437 km
- Guiyang (KWE) — 478 km
- ...and 141 more destinations
Flights to Thailand
Chengdu has 5 direct routes to Thailand:
- Chiang Mai (CNX) — 1,397 km
- Bangkok (DMK) — 1,866 km
- Bangkok (BKK) — 1,887 km
- Koh Samui (USM) — 2,353 km
- Phuket (HKT) — 2,551 km
Flights to Viet Nam
Chengdu has 4 direct routes to Viet Nam:
- Hanoi (HAN) — 1,021 km
- Nha Trang (CXR) — 2,094 km
- Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) — 2,181 km
- Phu Quoc (PQC) — 2,240 km
Tips for travelers at TFU
TFU is about 50km south of central Chengdu — don't underestimate that distance. The express train connecting TFU to Chengdu East Railway Station takes roughly 40 minutes and is honestly your best bet. Taxis exist but traffic around the city can be brutal, especially during Golden Week holidays in October and early May. Give yourself more time than you think you need. Weather-wise, Sichuan winters are grey and damp, which can affect flight schedules. Spring and autumn are your safest bets for smooth connections, especially if you're catching an onward international flight with a tight layover.
Airlines operating from TFU
The following airlines offer non-stop flights from Tianfu International Airport:
3U, 8L, 9C, A6, AQ, BK, BR, CA, CI, CX, CZ, D7, DR, DZ, ET, EU, EY, FD, FM, FU, G5, GJ, GS, GT, GX, GY, HO, HU, HX, JD, KN, KY, LT, MF, MH, MU, NS, NX, OD, OQ, OZ, PG, PN, Q2, QR, QW, RY, SC, SL, SQ, TG, TV, UQ, VJ, ZH
Frequently asked questions about flying to Chengdu
How do I get from Tianfu International Airport to Chengdu city center?
You can take the airport shuttle bus (around 20-30 RMB), use the metro line that connects directly to the airport, or grab a taxi/ride-share for about 80-120 RMB depending on traffic. The metro is usually the most convenient and affordable option, taking about 30-40 minutes to reach the city center.
What's the best time to fly from Chengdu?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds, though prices tend to be higher during these seasons. If you're looking for better deals, consider flying during summer or winter, just be prepared for more rain in summer and occasional fog in winter.
How many direct flights does Tianfu Airport offer?
Tianfu International Airport connects you to 199 direct destinations worldwide, making it a major hub for both domestic and international travel. This gives you excellent options whether you're heading to other Chinese cities or traveling internationally.
What visa or entry requirements do I need for China?
Most visitors need a valid passport and a Chinese visa, though citizens of certain countries may qualify for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry—it's best to check with your nearest Chinese embassy before traveling. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Any practical tips for Tianfu Airport?
Download the airport's official app or WeChat mini-program for real-time flight info and navigation, and arrive at least 2-3 hours early for international flights since security and check-in can take time. The airport has good English signage, but having a translation app handy is always helpful.
How much should I budget for airport transfers and fees?
Airport shuttle buses cost 20-30 RMB, metro tickets are 6-9 RMB depending on distance, and taxis/ride-shares run 80-120 RMB to the city center. Most airlines don't charge baggage fees for checked luggage on international flights, but always confirm with your carrier before booking.
Plan your trip from Chengdu
Browse the complete list of 199 destinations below to find your next flight from Tianfu International Airport. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.